Michael J. Poston
Papers
1
Total Citations
8
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Michael J. Poston is a leading planetary scientist whose research focuses on the detection, characterization, and stability of volatiles on airless bodies, with a particular emphasis on the Moon. His most impactful work leverages data from the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to probe the permanently shadowed regions of the lunar south pole. In his highly cited 2023 study, Dr. Poston conducted a comprehensive, multi-year assessment of these ultra-cold traps, using LAMP nighttime observations and Diviner temperature data to map not just water ice, but also potential reservoirs of carbon dioxide and ammonia. This work is critical for understanding the Moon's volatile inventory and for planning future in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) missions. By quantifying the distribution and form of these potential resources, Dr. Poston's research directly informs the strategic selection of landing sites for robotic and human explorers, bridging the gap between remote sensing and the practical needs of a sustainable lunar presence.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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